Top Tel-Aviv soccer team Hapoel Tel-Aviv sponsor a national youth
soccer league across Israel. Over 170 teams are involved, with
both Jewish and Arab teenage players. On 7 November 2002 a match
was arranged between Hapoel Tel-Aviv and nearby Hapoel Petah Tikva,
organised by the New Israel Fund.

Seven thousand Jewish and Arab children came to the event.
Hapoel Tel-Aviv’s Israeli Arab player Salim Touwama scored
in his team’s 2-1 win (source: Jerusalem Report 30 December
2002)

BEYOND IMAGES COMMENT

At a time of bitter conflict, it is important to highlight
events which show that coexistence is possible. Millions of
Israelis wish the Palestinians to have a normal life - so long
as they do not threaten their own existence. Millions of Palestinians
want to get on with their lives too. Events like this football
match build mutual respect and help coexistence.

Outside commentators are quick to build stereotypes of Israelis
– as “vengeful” and “hateful”
towards the Arabs. Most Israelis hate terrorism and those responsible
for it – but at the grass-roots level there exists mutual
respect and tolerance. How else could there be Israeli Arab
football stars in Israeli teams – even at a time like
this?